It is the second local film to draw more than 10 million fans in 2012 after “The Thieves,” which broke the all-time attendance record earlier this month.

Lee plays dual roles as King Gwanghae, the 15th ruler of Korea’s last kingdom, the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and the humble acrobat Ha-sun, who stands in for the monarch when he faces the threat of being poisoned.

Gwanghae was dethroned in a coup and failed to earn a temple name. (Yonhap News)